The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, as part of his two-day working visit to Nigerian Navy formations in the state.
Vice Admiral Abbas was received by Governor Otu at the Government House in Calabar, where discussions centred on strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and the Cross River State Government. Key areas of focus included maritime security, coastal safety, and the protection of strategic national assets within the state.
Governor Otu welcomed the naval chief and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in the effective discharge of their constitutional duties. He also reiterated his administration’s resolve to maintain peace and stability across Cross River State.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Abbas commended Governor Otu for his leadership and consistent support for security operations, stressing that strong cooperation between the Navy and the state government remains critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Earlier, the CNS arrived at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, where he was received by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okejie.
As part of the visit, Vice Admiral Abbas commissioned two newly constructed 12-by-1 Junior Rate Accommodation Blocks, Blocks A and B, at the Nigerian Navy Barracks, Atimbo. The commissioning highlights the Navy’s ongoing commitment to improving personnel welfare through enhanced residential infrastructure.
The naval chief also inspected ongoing projects and facilities across formations under the Eastern Naval Command. Areas visited included the Nigerian Navy Barracks, Akim; 1006 Navy Barracks; Nigerian Navy Hotels and Suites; and the permanent site of the Naval War College Nigeria.
At the Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Abbas was briefed by the Command Operations Officer, Rear Admiral C. E. Orji. At the Naval War College Nigeria, the Commandant, Rear Admiral Adams Muye, presented an overview of the institution’s activities, while the Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Ajomabi Oride, briefed the CNS on operational matters.
The CNS further visited the Fleet Support Group, where the Commander, Commodore Emeka Chinaka, delivered a detailed presentation. He also inspected all ships berthed at the NNS Victory Jetty.
The inspection tour provided the Chief of the Naval Staff with a first-hand assessment of infrastructure development, fleet deployment and operational readiness within the Eastern Naval Command. The visit is expected to continue on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
